The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a community-based bicycle helmet programme aimed at children aged 5-12 years (about 140 000) from poor and well-off municipalities. A quasi-experimental design, including a control group, was used. Changes in the risk of bicycle-related head injuries leading to hospitalisation were measured, using rates ratios. Reductions in bicycle-related head injuries were registered in both categories of municipalities. Compared with the pre-programme period, the protective effect of the programme during the post-programme period was as significant among children from poor municipalities (RR 0.45; 95% CI 0.26-0.78) as among those from richer municipalities (RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.41-0.75). Population-based educational programmes may have a favourable impact on injury risks in poor areas despite lower adoption of protective behaviours. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting